Ultra FAQ for Students

You have questions about Ultra, we have answers! And if we don't have the answer to a question you have, send it to the Office of Instructional Resources, and we will get it added.

  • What is Ultra? Ultra is Blackboard's premier learning management system platform. It has two parts: Ultra navigation and Ultra courses. As of May 29, 2021, Wichtia State is an Ultra navigation school, and the login and landing pages for Blackboard have the Ultra look. The move to all Ultra classes will be slower and unfold over the rest of 2021 and all of 2022. During that time, students will have some courses in Blackboard Ultra and some courses in Blackboard "classic" (or "old" Blackboard). All classes, regardless what format they are delivered in will live inside the "Ultra navigation" area. That means you will login to Blackboard the same for both types of classes. Wichita State provides support for classes in the Ultra format and for classes in the classic or "old" Blackboard format.
  • Why do I seem to have classes in two different class styles? You see classes in both the Ultra format and the "old" Blackboard format because the move to all Ultra classes is not scheduled to conclude until December 2022.  Instructors and support staff need time to transition the thousands of classes that Wichita State offers over to Ultra.
  • Will my professor change class styles mid-semester? Unless your professor has notified the class differently, it is unlikely that your class will change styles in mid-semester. There are many steps that are necessary to transition a class to ultra, and it's not something that can easily be done mid-semester.
  • Why is it taking so long to get all my classes in the Ultra class style? WSU is working hard to get everyone the training and support they need to make the transition to Ultra courses. This process is customized to each class so takes time.